The old woman sat on the park bench, feeding the pigeons. They flocked around her, their wings beating softly as they pecked at the scattered crumbs. She smiled, watching them. She'd been coming to this park for years, ever since she was a young girl. It had been her sanctuary, a place where she could escape the noise and bustle of the city.
Today, however, the park felt different. It was quieter, more peaceful. The leaves on the trees were turning brown, and the air was crisp and cool. It felt like the end of something, like the world was holding its breath.
Suddenly, a small, brown bird landed on the bench beside her. It was a sparrow, its feathers ruffled and its eyes bright and curious. The old woman reached out and gently stroked its head. The sparrow chirped softly, then flew away.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the park, the old woman stood up and walked slowly towards the exit. She knew it was time to go home, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change. The world was changing.
She turned one last time to look at the park, at the empty benches, the rustling leaves, and the fading light. And she knew that she would never forget this day, this feeling, this quiet ending.